Some of the abilities differ by state but here in PA it has to due with how much you can do. Both will go through the same "first aid" training. EMTs are now starting IVs, we are able to administer EPI-Pens, use AEDs, and basic life support.

Paramedics go through a lot more training on advanced medical. They are able to administer drugs, use manual defibrolators, intubate, and there is more that is too much to remember.

Pay is somewhat as described above, you can make a decent living as a medic, EMTs do not get paid much and you will find yourself working multiple jobs to get by.

As mentioned above, nursing school is another choice you need to look at.

They seem to be commendable jobs. Are they enjoyable long-term? Is it a job you can live off?
For instance, I don't want to be stuck in an office all day. And, you can't really live a decent life flipping hamburgers.

Right now I am loving wokring as an EMR, which is very basic stuff, I can't wait to move up to EMT. My goal is becoming a Paramedic.
But, you have to be willing to tough it out, I've heard stories of medics burning out and getting out of the work after 5-10 years. Very stressful career.

I'm looking to do my EMT this January, I can't give you much helpful detail as I'm in Alberta, Canada.

I believe the pay over here is higher, as an EMR, I can make around $22/hr, EMT's $27-33/hr, and Paramedics make around $34-40/hr.

Working up north in my province as an industrial medic is where you go to pay off the school loans and bills, or save for Jeep mods.
I make $300/day plus $50/day living allowance.

A paramedic can make around $700-1000/day. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

Some of the abilities differ by state but here in PA it has to due with how much you can do. Both will go through the same "first aid" training. EMTs are now starting IVs, we are able to administer EPI-Pens, use AEDs, and basic life support.

Paramedics go through a lot more training on advanced medical. They are able to administer drugs, use manual defibrolators, intubate, and there is more that is too much to remember.

Pay is somewhat as described above, you can make a decent living as a medic, EMTs do not get paid much and you will find yourself working multiple jobs to get by.

As mentioned above, nursing school is another choice you need to look at.

Wiseguy52 EMTs are not permitted to start IVs in PA, where did you hear that? Just curious as I am an EMT in PA.

Hell I would like to know where a medic is making a grand a day. I have been a medic since 99. EMT basic in Va no IV. We have enhanced and intermediate as steps for medic. A large portion of basics here are volunteer. Private co will hire but pay isn't great. Count in getting your evo (emergency vehicle operator) and going above EMT b.

If you are considering a career in this field, I highly recommend that you contact a local squad and see if you can do a ride a long shift or two. Its not all what TV makes it out to be/ nor what people think it is and a lot of people complete the program only to find out its not the field for them.

Hell I would like to know where a medic is making a grand a day. I have been a medic since 99. EMT basic in Va no IV. We have enhanced and intermediate as steps for medic. A large portion of basics here are volunteer. Private co will hire but pay isn't great. Count in getting your evo (emergency vehicle operator) and going above EMT b.

If you are considering a career in this field, I highly recommend that you contact a local squad and see if you can do a ride a long shift or two. Its not all what TV makes it out to be/ nor what people think it is and a lot of people complete the program only to find out its not the field for them.

The 700-$1000 a day is in Canada. I know several paramedics that would consider a move up North for that enormous jump in pay.

In the US you will find nothing relatively close to that pay. Probably, a 1/4 as a paramedic if you're lucky.

Two years full time. No breaks. It not an extra 3, full time is winter, spring and summer here so it 5 semesters more minimum. It might not be nothing for you, but may be a lot to the OP. (especially when you add in hospital rotations and ride time with classes. Those hours minimal with Basic but a vast majority of time in Medic programs)

Two years full time. No breaks. It not an extra 3, full time is winter, spring and summer here so it 5 semesters more minimum. It might not be nothing for you, but may be a lot to the OP. (especially when you add in hospital rotations and ride time with classes. Those hours minimal with Basic but a vast majority of time in Medic programs)

True, each person is different in terms of time constraints. For me two years isn't much time & is over before ya know it.

Are you interested in a fire department at all. Paramedics there make pretty good money. At my department the medics start at 3k p/yr more than a firefighter and everyone has to be at least a basic. You wont be rich but you can definitely live on it, buy a house, raise a family, fix the jeep etc.
The private ambulance company's out here definitely don't pay basics enough on live on and medics don't get a whole lot more. I'm not trying to slam private's when I say this, but the medics working for fire departments out here seem a BUNCH happier with their jobs and don't show the burn out as much as the privates seem to.
I can't tell you how happy you would be working for a private company as I have never had to but I did have to do ride alongs with them for my basic certification and I didn't care for it at all. I can say the fire department has been extremely rewarding for me and has provided for me and my family since 97 and I still enjoy going to work everyday.
I agree with the above advice about doing some ride alongs (with both privates and fire departments if you can) and see how you like it. The lifestyle is a little different but like I said it can be great for the right person.
I commend you for looking at this line of work and wish you the best of luck.